The New York Herald Newspaper, December 31, 1843, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. New York, Sunday, December 31, 1943. Relations with England—the Question. We perceive by the movements in the Senate of the United States, that a bill has already been in- troduced by one of the Western members, for taking possession of the Oregon territory by crea- ting not only a series of posts throughout the coun- try, butalso erecting a civil government. Accord- ing to our advices from the Capitol, there seems to be no doubt that this bill will pass the Senate ; and from the opportunity we have already had of judging of the sentiments of the great western por- tion of the House of Representatives, there is every reason to believe that it will also pass that branch of the national legislature. The bill contemplates, as we have just said, the erection of the Oregon with a regularly organized territorial government under the authority of the United States. We believe there is no particular time specified in the bill directing the President to take possession of the territory and organize this government. Probably this omission is designedly made, because, according to the provisional treaty now in existence between England and this coun- try, each party must give the other notice one year before the termination of the existing agree- ment. ‘Thus far in reference to the Oregon question be- fore Congress. In the Executive branch of the go- vernment the same question is in a state of agita- tion. Mr. Packenham will soon arrive here from England, probably with expreas instructions on the subject ; but of course what they are remains un- known. It is believed, however, among the diplo- matic circles at Washington, that the British go- vernment intend to contest the rights claimed by the United States in the territory. At all events the question seems to be comr"'~s'ing in every pos- sible way; and when we cast an eye on the pre- sent position of England with regard to Ireland, and other parts of Europe, and also consider the com- mencement of a new agitation in Canada, there is every reason to apprehend that a great many diffi- culties will spring up to impede the early and satis- factory adjustment of this most important question of the Oregon Territory. In the Western States this question is paramount in importance and inter- est. The whole West, as one body, goes for the undoubted acknowledgment and vindication of the claims of the United States, at all hazards, and in the face of every contingency. The Western States, it need hardly be stated, now hold the strong,and powerful hand in the national legislature, constituting one of its leading elements, and over- powering every other section of the country. Looking at the whole question, then, in every point of view, it is very evident that unless the British government give full and positive instruc- tions to their new minister, Mr. Packenham, to set- tle this question on amicable terms, each year will only increase the difficulties and take away from the British Government the power of settling it ac- cording to their wishes. There cannot be a doubt, from the movements which have just taken place in Canada, that a new agitation has commenced throughout the whole extent of these British pro- vinces, which must, before very long, produce a state of things quite analagous to what exists in Treland, and eventually terminate in great revolu- tionary changes, sweeping from the British Govern- ment every foothold on the American North Western Continent. Our government, in conse- quence of the new treaty with Mexico and the prospect of an immediate settlement of all southern questions with the Southern Republic, will be left free to contend in diplomacy and in every point of view with the British Government. We shall look with a great deal of interest on every movement in Congress in relation to this question, and particularly after the arrival of the British minister. FasnionasLe Movements.—A series of fashiona- ble parties, soirées, are now giving in the upper part ol the city, in consequence of a wedding which re- cently took place, of the daughter of a celebrated divine to a distinguished young millionaire,of one of the Knickerbocker family. The first party which came off, growing out of this event, was given ina splendid mansion inNinth street. An immense crowd attended upon the occasion. The whole building was thrown into one suit of rooms, and an addi- tional apartment was erected in the garden adjoin- ing, which was fitted out in a most tasty and bril- liant manner. The lights, ornaments and other ap- purtenances upon the occasion were of a most recherché kind throughout. Schneider’s German band, consisting of twenty-five instruments, attend- ed upon the evening in question. The company comprised all the female beauty of New York, and the gentlemen who attended, many of them young, iniddle-aged and old, comprised all kinds and all characters—bankers, politicians, financiers, bro- kers, parsons, idlers, literateurs, &c. &c. The party broke up at a very early hour in the morning, with the German band playing, asa finale, ‘“‘God saye the Queen,” in most admirable style. The second of the same series of parties came off upon Friday evening, at Waverly Place. It was equally well attended as the first, and equally bril- liant in all its points. A number of curious inci- dents téok place, and some matches were made which will produce some effects hereafter. Thus moves on the fashionable world in marrying and giving in marriage, in dancing and waltzing, while the religious world is equally busy in discussing the important question whether a church can exist without a Bishop. It must be a great relief to our admirable divines, such as Dr. Wainwright and Dr. Potts, occasionally to move off their important battle field, mix w'th the youth and beauty of the age, and renovate their spirits by mixing with the fashionable circles of the day. A Funny Scene ry Prosrrcr.—A very violent and abusive article appeared in a late number of the Ladies’ Companion, reflecting on the character of Park Benjamin, calling him the “ hedge-hog of newspaper literature”—a “‘reptile,”—and a num- ber of other odoriferous epithets. Park imme- diately commenced a libel suit, and in his turn, Snowden, the publisherof the Ladies’ Companion, brings an action against Park, grounded on a libel- lous article which appeared in the New World some time ago, but which we havn’tseen. Bu the funny part of the affair is, that the names of Mrs. Embury and Mrs. Sigourney, appear as edi- tors of the Magazine, and they are included in the suit brought by Park. Mrs. Sigourney, indeed, denies having seen the libel before it was published, and writes a very handsome complimentary note to Benjamin. But still she and her fair colleague are liable in the eye of the law, and must, nolens volens appear and answer in Court. This will be most amusing—poeta and poetesses—male literateurs and female literateurs—literary loafers of all sorts, and a variety of elements will be mixed up in the business. The trial will be an exceedingly rich chapter in the Mysteries of New York, and. will, of course, command our attention for the benefit of the dear public Wan w Earnest.—We understand that the Rev. Dr. Wainwright has accepted the challenge of Dr. Potts and will begin the warfare during next week. This is right. These two reverend gentle- men are good in a fight; equal to Yankee Sullivan and Ben Caunt. We shall look for the result with the deepest interest Eastern Mait.—This mail had not arrived when No mail left here yesterday for A steamer will leave at nine o’clock this Our paper of to-day will therefore be in time to go by the Hibernia which leaves Boston to- we went to press Boston. morning. morrow Twerry Minutes to Two, A. M., Sunpay.—We learn that Col. Graham, with his creditable pompt. itude, has despatched the special mail agent, Mr. E. T. Bridge, by special express with the great Southern mail to meet the British steamer in due season. ‘The Staten Island Murders—Discovery of the Murcderess and her Escape—Arrest of a@ Suspected Aceessary to the Horrid Deed —Recovery of the Stolen gold lever Wateh —Great Meeting of Citizens at Staten Island Last Evening. One O’cLock, Sunpay Mornine. One of our corps of indefatigable reporters has just arrived from the scene of the horrid murders on Staten Island, in the fast sailing clipper Mingo, with the above important intelligence exclusively for the readers of the Herald. The excitement in the vicinity of the murder was most intense last evemng, and a meeting of several hundred citizens was held at short notice, the proceedings of which will be found below. During the invéstigation before the Coroner sus picions were excited implicating PollyBodine, sen., as the person who had committed the murders, which suspicions grew stronger and stronger until Friday evening, but being the sister of Captain G. E. Houseman, the husband of the murdered wife and father of the child, they were allayed until it was ascertained, that at about dusk on that evening she had left the premises of her father’s house where she had remain- ed since the discovery of the murder, hay- ing previously resided with the unfortunate deceased. Her absence immediately confirmed all previous sugpicions, and trace being made it was found that she had taken passage in the steamboat from Staten Island for this city that left yesterday morning. In the meantime all was excitement at Granite Vilfage, the scene of the murder, which is about one mile and a half from Port Richmond landing. In the course‘of thé evening George Waite, an apothecary and physician, of 252 Canal street, arrived at Port Richmond in the steamboat, accom- panied by a son of Polly Bodine, named Albert, aged about sixteen years, who has been in his employ. The peculiar connexion that hasexisted between Waite and this woman, prompted those interested in tracing the murderess, to cause him to be placed in custody for examination. A letter from her was found in his possession, and other circumstances afterwards transpired that led to a full belief by the magistrate before whom he was examined, that he had either visited the Island to aid in her escape, or knew her whereabouts in this city. He was still under examinatien when eur reporter left ata late hour last evening. In the course of the day, yesterday, it was dis- covered that the valuable gold lever watch that had been stolen from the premises of Captain House- man after the murders were committed, had been left at a pawnbroker’s shop in this city on Monday last by a woman resembling Polly Bodine in every particular.This watch was taken to the police, and placed in possession ot Justice Matsell, who, with officer McGrath, repaired to the scene of the mur- der yesterday afternoon. As soon as they arrived at Port Richmond, and learned the arrest of Waite, they immediately returned to this city and most probably arrested the supposed murderess during the night, although they had not when our paper went to press this morning. John J. Van Pelt, the father of the deceased, on Tuesday last, the day of the funeral, publicly declared his solemn belfef that Polly Bodine was the murderess, but suspicion was not then strong enough to warrant her arrest, although it was so on her examination before the coroner’sjury. She is rep- resented asa bold, determined woman, whose cha- racter on certain points has long been questioned. Her husband, Andrew Bodine, is now in Sing Sing State prison, where he was sentenced on a charge of bigamy. He was originally a man of consider- able property and character, but after the marriage with this woman, (from her conduct as is alleged,) became intemperate aud debased. She finally left him and he married another woman, named Sarah Simpson, of habits similar to his own—who, our readers will remember, was found dead in her bed about two years since. He was then arrested for her murder, but there was not sufficient testimony to convict him, and he was tried on the charge ef bigamy and sent to the State prison. The meeting of citizens of Staten Island was held last evening, previous to which the following hand- bill was circulated “Honnrip Munver axp Anson on Staten Istann.—The inhabitants of Richmond County are requested to meet at the house of John M. Gaylord, Granite Village, on Satur- day evening, 30th inst , for the purpose of investigating the circumstances attending the murder of Mrs. George Houseman and child.” Long previous to the hour of meeting the house was filled to overflowing by the anxious and honest citizens of that vicinity. Rumor upon rumor was circulated through the crowd until the time arrived, when Judge Lirrte was called to the char, and Judge Crorsy appointed secretary. The for- mer gentleman called the meeting to order with a few remarks relative to the afflicting circumstance. He was followed by Capt. George W. Gantz and Mr. Phelps, who urged the utmost vigilance on the paoh the whole assemblage, to investigate the horrid atrocity that had stained the character of the peaceable and orderly citizens of that county. Mr. Distrtcr Arroryey, CLark, then presented the following resolutions, which were adopted :— Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that the late atrocious crime perpetrated in our midst calls for the active vigilance of every citizen and officer of this county to devote his unremitted efforts to the detection of the juilty. S "Resolved, That no considerations of a private nature should have influence to prevent the police officers of this county from discharging their duty most the reasonable expenses of the officers of j ing should be pela by the county, and no person should hesitate toa thorongh personal examination, and rigid search of person or premises if thought necessary by such officers. On motion of Grorce W. Gantz the following gentlemen were selected by the District Attorney as a committee of citizens to aid in the detection of the person or persons concerned in the murders: H. B. Cropsy, R. D, Little, George W. Gantz, John T. Harrison and Daniel G. Crocheron, District Attorney Ciark then remarked that the character of the investigation required that it should proceed in private, and called upon all pre- sent as well as all the citizens of the county not to take exceptions or object to search of their premises or examination before the commissioner and committee, if it was considered necessary in the detection of the offenders. He then offered the following resolution, which was adopted:— Reso! hat we, the citizens of the county, will do athe eMenower, individually and collectively” to obtain information, and follow out the suspicions and reports,and communicate the result to the members of this committee; and willalso, by every other means, forward the objects of this investigation. ‘The name of Dr. E. Clark was then added to the committee, and the meeting then adjourned to Monday evening next. The impression is that Mrs. Houseman, the de- ceased, was stupified with some drug before the murder was committed, and,from close examina- tion the previous supposition that her body had been violated before the murder, is considered to be erroneous. ; \ The one thousand dollars in specie recovered by Capt, Houseman from the wood house adjoining his premises, was the same thathe had previously buried there before his departure, which secret was unknown to his wife. There is no doubt that the person who committed the murders expected to find this money, us the house appeared to be thorough- ly searched for that purpose. We present below the testimony of Polly Bodine, the supposed mur- deress, as taken from the notes of the Coroner, in order to show the discrepancy inher first and second statements:— Pour Bonixe, Sen, sworn.—Has been in the habit of atayiig at night with Mra. Houseman ; the last time she staid was on Saturday last a week ; the Inat time ahe saw Mrs. Houseman was on Sunday Dec. 17th; heard of the death of Emeline Houseman on the evening of the 25th December, about half past nine, P. M.; saw the windows closed ; Mrs. H. had a gold and silver watch ; the gold watch had a gold key and chain; saw the gold watch in the house since Mr. H. left for the South; she kept the watch, jewelry and spoons in the bureau ; saw this bundle of clothes lying on achair in theentry, by a door that lends in the kitchen ; Emeline Houseman was very timid ; seldom or ever staid alone ; used candles as a light; used a stand to wlace the light in, close to the bed, on retiring ; should know the four finger rings belonging to Emeline Houseman, should she see them again ; ‘a black silk handkerchief in the house ; never had occasion to wear any thing around her wrists or arms By the followin, will be perceived that she flatly contradicted herself on several very important points which we have italicised :— Polly Bodine, Senior, recalled and sworn—Was inti- mately acquainted with the deceased, F.. H. Sunday morning, 24th instant, at 64 o'clock ; » on Saturday night, and left her in bed on Su 24th instant, (the complain the child with e child s! with us both that ie ing on Sunday morning about d'clock ; went to the front door’ and found it Sast ; in the window and found it in order, the bed mede up ; saw no one in the room heard no noise room; was in the habit of with Mrs. Housman ; left on finding the door shut ; the deceased to one out; di deceased had any m in ¢ house; saw a gold watch and chain; saw it since Mr. Houseman left for the south ; {saw deceased ha ve eur rings, finger rings, and breast iknow the rings rings and pin should 1 Ch er ape ould I see them again; left her father’s house on Sunday night; saw the shutters closed on Monday morning; left for the city on Monda; mersing with the 8 o’clock boat; the first she heard ‘of the deat wos Tuesday morning, 26th inst. Never heard deceased say she was afraid of any particular person, but was very timid; saw a man go by the house of deceased at twelve o'clock, dressed in dark clothes and body coat; thinks he had on a black hat; did not see him havea bundle; knows the white silk handkerchief belonging to her brother; knows a small pair red hose worm by the child; knows the lace veil to be the same worn by the deceased, and believes part of remainder now produced to belong to the deceased, and not put up as @ woman woult generally ut up clothing, &c. &c. Deceased kept the watch in the ureau drawers; heard G. Houseman say he received mo- ney; deceased made no observation to me on leaving Sun- day morning; saw no black silk handkerchief in the house; deceased never used any bandage on the wrists. Our reporter left Port Richmond, railroad wharf, ata late hour Jast evening, in the fast sailing clip- per Mingo, and although it blew a perfect gale of wind, and the vessel was struck with a squall that threw her on her beam ends for several minutes, he arrived in safety, to present our readers with the above important exclusive information. Twoo’ctocx.—Since the above waswritten, we learn that the Coroner of Richmond county arrived here last eveniug after Waite was arrested at Port Richmond, and in company with officers Baker and Dunshee. proceeded to examine the premises of Waite, the apothecary, in Canal street. They found the basket that Polly Bodine brought to this city on Wednesday last, when she pawned the watch. A night cap and night gown, supposed to belong to her, was also found ina bureau in his bedroom adjoining the store, and other appearances indicated that a woman had recently occu- pied the bed, whose hair was of a similar color and texture of the supposed murderess. His store was closed yesterday owing to his absence to Staten Island, and she was seen in the vicinity se- veral times during the day. At about six.o’clock last evening she applied to a Quaker lady, who keeps a small cake shop round the corner near the apothecary store of Waite for lodgings, alleging that she had been recommended by her son who was in the employ of Mr. Waite. She stated that she had been shopping, and was detained so as not to be able to return in the afternoon boat to Staten Island. On these representations the old lady showed her to abed. {Ina short time afterwards some persons came into the shop and stated that officers were searching the apothecary store of Waite, and that he had been arrested at Staten Island. This was communicated to her by the old lady as a matter of news, when she immediately made an excuse to leave the premises and departed in great haste. The letter found in the pocket of Waite. from this woman, contained a request forsome additional drug, that it is supposed she had given to Mrs. Houseman before she was murdered. It was taken from him by Justice Matse!!, who searched him as soon ashe arrived at Port Richmond. There isno doubt that the murder was committed for the pur- pose of obtaining the $1000 in money, that House- man had received, which it is to be presumed that the murderess intended to give to her paramour, who has recently been very much involved in his pecuniary affairs. The unfortunate woman has no doubt been stupefied with drugs, then tortured to confess where the money was_ placed, of which, it appears, she had no know- ledge, and failing to satisfy this demand, she has been afterwards murdered and burned with her in- nocent child. Horrible, most horrible, when it is considered that this act was committed by the sister of the husband of the murdered wife and mother. Rev. Sypney Smirn —This personage, although so savage on the Pennsylvanians, and others of that ilk, has, after all, some of the milk of human kind- ness warming his clerical bosom. Another parson, a friend of his, died lately, leaving a vacant living of £1,500 a year, which was presented to him, and although his own income was but £300 a year, hav- ing lost the great bulk of his fortune by the opera- tions of his American friends, yet he generously bestowed it on the son of his early friend, the Rev. Mr. Tate, who had been a curate starving on £40 ayear. Well done, Sydney, here is our hand. Musica anp TuearricaL Arrams.—The mu- sical mania which has been agitating this commu- nity for some months past, is now at its lowest ebb again. The several concerts recently given, not- withstanding the talent employed in them, have been miserably attended. On Ole Bull’s arrival from Europe, the tide rose to its highest point—the theatres, churches, every place in which he appear- ed, were crowded; and those who entered into competition with him, shared for the moment some of the benefit of the enthusiasm. But the very moment that this great star disappears towards the South, the tide appears to recede from the cities he leaves behind, and to follow him on his onward career. We understand that he is going South The Grand » Fashionable Sotree at Mrs. Cheatemall’s, Humbug Square, Thursday Evening. Nothing has been talked of in the fashionable circles for the last ten days but the grand soirée, given at the elegant mansion of Mrs. Cheatemall, No. 16 Humbug square. It came off last evening, and was the first of a long and brilliant series of entertainments to be given by the leaders of the new world of fashion. As this event marks the commencement of a new and illustrious era_in the annals of the fashionable world in the metropolis, we have taken all necessary pains to give its his- tory in full, and assign it an appropriate and abid- ing place in the chronicles of the times. The family of Cheatemall is one of the oldest in this city. Indeed it is supposed, and with a great deal of reason, too, that at no period has the city been without a verv respectable number of repre- sentatives of this venerable family. It is only, however, of comparatively recent date that the Cheatemalls have attained high rank in the fa- shionable world, and assumed the onerous and honorable responsibility of dictating to the rest of the community on matters of elegance and taste, and all the thousand refinements and delicacies of that high civilization which distinguishes our de- mocratic nobility. The other day, after dinner, when the family were seated in the drawing-room, Mrs. Cheatemall in the magnificent rocking-chair with her poodle, “Carlo,” on her lap—Mr. Cheat- emall, the ‘elder, lounging on the sofa, reading that morning’s Herald—Laura Matilda at the piano, practising the delightful quadrilles from ‘“ La Dia- mans des Couronnes’”—and Mr. Alfred Mortimer Cheatemall, the eldest scion ef the house, reclining in one of Martin’s patent self-ad- justing couches, playing with his moustache, and inwardly resolving to try another bottle of Jones’s Cireassia, which had already achieved such won- ders in promoting the fertility of the soil—Mrs. Cheatemall, after a few preliminary ahems, with- out diverting her eyes, however, from Carlo, thus commenced the conversation :—‘* My dear Cheat, Ido think that as Laura Matilda has—(poor fel- low, what dear little eyes !)—just been brought out, we should give a sworrey—(pretty little creature !) —before the end of the month—(dear sweet creature). Well, dear Cheat—(pretty fellow)— what do you say ?” Before the respectable head of the family of Cheatemall could reply, his accomplished son thus responded to the inquiry‘of his maternal pa- rent :— “ That’s really my opinion, Maw; we have been in retirement a devilish sight too long.” “ Yes, my dear Alfred—always sensible—(dear intelligent little eves). Pa, there, has been pro- mising for six months past—(naughty creature, keep quiet)—and I’m sure he must have a very large income now ; indeed, it’s a long time since and the upper part of the city, the ro “ swor- rey” to be given by Mrs. Cheatemall was the en- sroming 99 ject of conversation. ‘*Have you got an invitation ?”’—Dear me, it will be a sple: affair” —*Well, I declare those Cheatemalls”— “Why her er was a_ washerwoman”—‘Oh ! you don’t meee ie it possible?’—“*Why its not six monthssince old Cheatemall took the bene- fit of the act”—*Old scoundrel”"—‘Scoundrel did you say—well J like that, ha, ha, ha.”—‘Well, af- ter all, what’s the use of bi honest ?’—“His, daughter is a devilish fine girl”—‘Not so much of the tin—eh?” “Fifty thousand at least”—“Oh! I don’t believe it”—‘Well, I’m sorry you’re not go- ing.” Such are specimens of the conversation in anticipation of this important and immensely in- | teresting event. Upwards of three hundred invi- tations were issued, embracing all the distinguished families of the elite in Fleece street, idumbug Square, Repudiation Place, Biddle Park, Swart- wout street, and Defaulter Place. The young la- dies who were so fortunate as to have been inclu- ded amongst the invited, were in ecstacies—in a! perfect fever. The shelves of the fashionable dry goods men were relieved of many a costly piece of silk, satin and velvet, and theirbooks honored with numerous additional items acknowedging dis- tinguished patronage of the fashionable families of | our accomplished bankers, brokers, merchants, and retired gentlemen of fortune, who act on the jllus- trious principle of modern philosophy—*take all you can get your hands on.” The milliners and mantuamakers were absolutely overwhelmed with orders, and many a poor girl condemned to the slavery of those terribly heated, suffocating, gloo- my rooms where the gay robes of capricious fashion are manufactured, had reason to remem- ber for many a day the great “‘sworrey” given at Mrs. Cheatemall’s, No. 16 Humbug Square. The fashionable hair-dreasers were quite run down, and he took the benefit of the act ; and I don’t see why —(do keep quiet, Carlo)—we can,t resume our de- lightful stwoorreys. Oh, dear!” “* Why, really, Maw, that last explosion must have brought a cool fifty thousand, atleast. Re- ally Paw is a clever old fellow, ha! ha !” A low, contented, self-satisfied chuckle was heard from the sofa, and the elder Mr. Cheatemall laying down the Herald, rose from his reclining po- sition, and very deliberately crossing his legs, as he took off his gold spectacles, remarked with that curious sort of a smile which irradiates the coun- tenance of the Wall street operator after a success- ful piece of business :—‘‘ Well, that was a rather nice little operation, ha, ha, he, he—heigho !”” “ For which, dear brother, you should be thank- ful to the author of all our mercies,” chimed in another member of the family who had just joined the interesting group already introduced. This was Miss Charity Cheatemall, a sister of Mr. C.’s, and a devout maiden and eminently pious member of the Rev. Dr. Skinnev’s church—sallow, tall, thin, and forty-five. Some traditionary scandal existed about a fauc-pas, into the commission of which Miss Charity had been led in her tender years; but a long subsequent career of godliness, and zealous prayer for the conversion of the perishing heathen, had altogether obliterated the remembrance of that youthful indiscretion. “Well, my dear,” continued Mrs. Cheatemall, without, we are sorry tosay, paying the least atten- tion to the pious admonition of Miss Charity, «when will you be prepared to give me afew thou sands for this sworrey ?”” “Ha, ha; well, my dear Mrs. C., you are posi- tively inclined to be witty this afternoon,” replied Mr. Cheatemall, who always spoke in a very pom- poustone. ‘ You don’t mean to say that David Cheatemall has yet arrived at such green old age as to renounce all the cherished financial doctrines, the practical operation of which has contributed so essentially to the prosperity and respectability of the celebrated house of @heatemall & Co.? Fie, fie, my dear ;” and again the low, contented, self- satisfied chuckle was heard, and Mr. Cheatemali having wiped his spectacles carefully with his fine cambric pocket-handkerchief, placed them in their elegant case, which he then put into the pocket of the ample satin vest that covered a broad expanse with surprising celerity, to throw his competitors in the shade, and that his “ friend,” Mr. Schuberth, from whom he separated entirely at Baltimore, will return to Europe in the steamer which sails from Boston on Monday next ,(to-morrow.) What we say of musical matters may be safely said of theatricals. When Macready made his first appearance here his nights were pretty well attend- ed, but during his recent and last engagements they were miserably thin. We understand that the mu- sical mania swallowed up the theatrical mania as the rod of Aaron swallowed up the rods of the Egyptian Magi. So, on the whole, it may be said we are at low water mark again, in relation to mu- sical and theatrical matters. It is true an attempt is making to get up opera at Palmo’s, opposite the Park, and possibly they may commence a sea- son there, but there has recently been such a “glut” of notes of that species of currency in the market, that the succeas of this new enterpriae is very doubt- ful to say the least of it. Mr. Vieuxtemrs’ Fareweit Concert.—Mr. Vieuxtemps’ last appearance at the Park Theatre drew a much fuller house than his preceding con- cert. It was unquestionably the most interesting of all, with regard to the choice of the pieces, in- troducing the heads of the modern school, Paga- nini, Beriot, and himself, in his concert in E major, from which he played the Adazio and the Rondo. It is written in his best style, combining majesty with simplicity, the pathetic with the grace- fal, and possesses much newness of idea and mas terly orchestral accompaniments. Both composi- tion and performance bore the stamp of the classic, and were listened to with undivided attention. His second piece was It tremolo. This is per- haps the only one of Beriot’s compositions, which will stand the test of time ; it has agreat ce- lebrity in Europe, where it was received with un- usual favor several years ago, and is still the hobby- horse of violinists. Itisa kind of Fantasia ona famous air by Beethoven, and is imprinted with a spirit of a delightfully capricious originality. The applause which followed it was tremendous, and he kindly gratified the wishes of his admirer with a repetition. He took his leave with the never tiring carnevale di Venezia, which he played for the third time, always introducing new varia- tions. After its repetition the whole audience rose as one man, and he retired accompanied with cheers and the waving of hats. He was called out three times after the fall of the curtain. | Monsieur Vieux Temps’ career in this city was an eventfulone. His claims to the high celebrity he enjeys in Europe are ete by every body, and he would perhaps meet with a reception little’ inferior in enthusiasm to that bestowed on Ole Bull, if he would have directly appealed to the good judgment of our hi h-minded citizens, instead of allowing himself to be brought forth by inju- dictous friends, not alone as a rival, but as a gent superior to Ole Bull. The only effect it had was to cover this cameraderie with ridicule, and to create a party feeling, which could not but be in- jurious to him. We trust he will be as successful in the south as he certainly deserves, of chest and paunch. “But really, Paw, you must have cleared fifty thousand by that nice little affair of the Green- town Bank—you can very well afford to let Maw have a little slice. I want five thousand myself, Paw ;”’ and Mr. Alfred Mortimer again resumed his attentions to his delicate moustache, and hummed a measure from La Bayadere. ** Ah, me! that was the bank that ruined poor Mrs. Victim,” seid Laura Matilda, as she turned from the piano, and joined in the conversation. ‘‘] recollect that Mary and Jane left Mrs. ©’Kill’s school very abruptly, and they told me something about their mother having lost all by the failure o! that bank.” “Oh, my dear, the Lord tempers the wind te the shorn lamb,” said Miss Charity, with an ele- gant upward cast of her eyes, as she helped herseli to snuff from a magnificent box set with diamonds, which her affectionate brother had presented to her, in the plentitude of his joy,on the very morning on which the news of the failure of the bank had reached him. Aine After some further conversation if was at length determined that the ‘“‘sworrey,” as Mrs. Cheat- emall, in her own elegant way, styled the enter- tainment, was to be given immediately, the vari- ous articles required and all the arrangements ne- cessary to he obtained and effected on the good old system of the house of Cheatemall & Co.—namely, the tradesmen, merchants, and others were to be paid in the honor accruing fiom the patronage of the illustrious family of Cheatemall, abundance of promises of speedy payment, any quantity of notes payable at the day of judgment, and a highly res- pectable place in the third schedule in bankruptcy of the distinguished and respectable house of Cheat- emall & Co, : : Accordingly, in the morning, after the interest- ing conversation just related occurred, Mrs. Cheat- emall and Miss Laura Mati‘da stepped into the fash- tonable family carriage, obtained fom the manufac- tory just ten days before Mr. Cheatemall last applied for the benefit of the act—and drove down town for the purpose of engaging upholsterers, confec- ioners, cooks, painters, and all the various trades- nen whose skill and labor were necessary to ren- der the elegant mansion of Mr. Cheatemall, No. 16 Humbug square, properly prepared for the re- ception of the numerous and distinguished guest: who were to be invited to the “sworrey.” For the next ten days all was bustle, confusion, upside- down at No, 16 Humbug square. New carpets were put down—new-window curtains put up—new chandeliers susper.ded—new mirrors hung up—new bijouterie on the mantelpiecesand recesses—wall: were re-painted—the ceilings re-decorated—the ta- bles re-varnished—the staircases re-carpeted— ev -rything retouched and repaired, except the cha- racter of the highly respeetable and fashionable family of Cheatemall, and that remained in all its oristine perfectability of excelience, purity, hones- ty, worth, fashion, and respectability. A sett of superb candelabras were got from Sax- ton’s, in John street—wax candles from Morrison’s in Greenwich street—choice liqueurs, wines, bran- jies and fruits from Clark, Bininger and Cozzens, in. Vesey street—several elegant setts of French hina from Dalesmes’, No. 4 South William street —the supper “arrangements” in a style of charac- teristic elegance and excellence from the Alhamry —and Messrs. Weiss and G bss were engaged tofurnish their celebrated cotillion band. All around the neighborhdod of Humbug Square so difficult was it found to obtain the services of these artists, that many of the dear creatures were obliged to have their tresses arranged the day be- | fore that on ythe evening of which the “sworrey” was given, sitting up all night long with their beau- tiful locks braided or in curl—perfectly resigned— like so many angelic saints submitting without a | ane to the pains of martyrdom; or if you please, | like caterpillars awaiting the moment which re- | lieves them from their chrysalis state of obscurity, and sends them forth to spread their golden wings | in the bright sunshine of the open day. __ | If it be difficult to describe the ecstatic delight | of the ladies who were invited, it is utterly impos- | sible to paint the mortification and agony of those } who ought to have been, but were not invited.— Suicide was seriously contemplated by several, and it_was only by the skill and unremitting attention of Dr. Cheesehead and other eminent members of the faculty, that numbers recovered from the alarm. | ing indisposition into whieh they had been thrown | by the pie eemeea ‘ ‘ At last ursday evening, the 28th inst. came, and No. 16 Humbug Square was one blaze of light and magnificence from the basement to the attic chamber of the Misses Betty, Moll and Susan.— Mrs. Cheatemall had certainly quite succeeded in “astonishing all the Browns” in the fashionable re- gion of Humbug Square. Such a number and such a vanely of carriages—the cemfortable, aristocra- tic family coach, the dashing cobriolet, the snug landau, the hackney, the cab,—some with foot- men, some without—some genteel, some shabby, and all mud from top to bottom. The coachmen and the cabmen shouted, and ewore, and quarrel- led as only New York coachmen and cabmen can; fair forms rushed from the carriages to the por- tico; the gas lamps shed their flickering gleam on the miry street; strains of inspiring music burst from the brilliantly lighted saloon; empty coaches rattled down the street, and well-filled coaches came rattling up to the door; and all wasbustle, gaity, brilliancy, beauty, and magnificence at No. 16 Humbug Square. _ It is impossible to enumerate the half of the bril- liant and fashionable company assembled on this oceasion, All the distingué families of the New York aristocracy had, however, their representa- tives. The Greens, and the Browns, and_ the Whites, and the Blacks, and the Smiths, and the Thompsons, and the Jacksons, and the Jamiesons, and the Williamsons, were of course all there. And almostall the old wealthy Dutch families—they who trace their descent through an uninterrupted line ofno less than three generations, to the Van Wipes, and the {Van Pelts, and the Van Cabbageheads, and tne Van Dunderandblixens—were likewise well represented. The MeScratchems, tne Mc- Grawls, and a few other highly respectable Scot tish families, were also present. The Shinplastres, Shaverres, Abscondres, and many other equally ce- lebrated names, were also among the list of honor- able guests. Indeed, the scene presented a pertect picture ot fashionable society in the metropolis—a society which for agreeable variety, high polish, anaffected elegance, and genuine refinement, can- not be surpassed, and is, perhaps, unequalled. ning was decidedly the charmi. and fascinating daughter of the accomplished h ; She was dressed in a splendid white satin, the corsage a point lappets of white blonde, in the form of waving neuds, which were placed on the front of the jupe, and in the§jeentre of each naud a bunch of white roses; the upper neud attaching the mantille of blonde, which encir- cled the top of the corsage and decorated the sleeves. Nothing could exceed the beauty of this toilette, and the charming Laura Matilda never appeared to better advan- re. Ets, Clsslamall woco's megulGonat(isees; composed of tarlatan muslin, embroidered in silk to imitate gold, the corsage green and open single skirt, also a la grecgue. Her head dress consisted of a cap, a la berthe, made in gre- nat velvet, embroidered in the same colored silk, and forming a kind of small lappet, Passing over the top of the head and falling on each side of the neck, the ends being terminated with a handsome fringe Mrs. Smiti’s Duxss.—White satin, a triple jupe, each skirt bordered with a triple embroidery. Coiffure, a tur- ban, made in lace, lined with pink gauze, and a peacock’s feather. Greatly admired. Mrs. McScratcuems’ Daxss.—An elegant tartan silk, with a black lace scarf, Marie Antoine!/.; coiliure, a maj nificent hat and feathers, inthe siyle of the 424 High- landers. Much admired. Mrs. Van Dunperanpautxen’s Dases.—A very ele- gant costume, com, of rich amber moire silk, trimmed round the skirt with three deep tucks of the same, over which were placed three rows of broad white lace de I’ An leterre, of @ very open design. Corsage made very low. Beautiful. Miss Tomiinson’s Drxss.—White satin, short sleeves, corsage low, with cotton a la Orleanois. Very much ad- mi M iy pie | Ba read? le rave ve ‘ified with sprigs of flowers of a gold yellow, having the appearance of bel embroidered Se picst, in silk. ‘his was a.tealiy mi tly admired. hite satin, turban, and ni ns. feathers. Mns. Mackensi’s Daese.—Green velvet, turban, and feathers. Miss Vaw Wirr’s Dress.—Sky-blue satin. About eleven o’clock the spacious saloons of the elegant mansion of the Cheatemalls presented a most brilliant, interesting, exciting scene. There was an easy, unrestrained, @ la Van Cott sort ot style, in the movements of the brilliance company, which was perfect spobatin. he gentlemen, Squeezed un ngeiae the ladies, and the ladies sqneened up against the gentlemen—and the dancing was kept up with such vigor and such Ce variety of style—and the band played with suc hysterical violence—and every body talked so loud —and the servants, in flaming liveries, were so awkward and troublesome—and the host ‘and host- ess were so busy asking every body for the twen- tieth time if they felt quite at home, and if they were sure they enjoyed themselves—and the gen- tlemen were 580 exquisitely fine—and the ladies were so exquisitely “‘illigant”—and, altogether, the “sworrey” was exactly what a “sworrey” in New York ought to be, and what a “sworrey” in any other place never can be. . We wish we had room to describe particularly some of the most distinguished of the ladies and gentlemen, and to report their agreeable, piquant, and delightful conver: But alas! we hayn’t room. So it must be imagined how admirably Mr. Smith, the tailor, and Mr. Jackson, the grocer, and Mr. Shave, the Wall street broker, and Mr. Swindle, the banker, and Mr. eee the dry goods clerk, and Mr. ‘{'weezer, the barber, and Mr Cute’em, the speculator, and all the rest of the Misters, dressed, and looked, and talked, and en- acted to perfection the characters of distinguished leaders of the London ‘swell mob.” And the lively chit-chat of the ladies—their easy and unaf- fected grace—their fashionable towrnure—their re- fined gaeity—their characteristic and peculiar poli- tesse—must likewise be left to imagination. “This is delightful!” “oh! ain’t it?” ‘now I de- clare,” ‘“‘whata dear, nice man’’—‘‘such whiskers” —‘come, let’s have a private drink” —“how char- ming”—“shocking dress’’—‘‘that ain’t the fashion, is it Polly?”—*oh! who’s that in the sky-blue Iress 1”’—“what a woman!”—“did you ever see such a bust?”—‘oh, la, you don’t say sot’—“‘] adore you"—“‘h Maw’s a_ comin’ !"—“now don’t” —*« that horrid feller has sot hie ‘oot on my dress”—“I won’t”—“‘ain’t you ’shamed of yourself?”"—*‘why, really, that isyou, I declare” —“oh! I made a raise” — “delightful” —‘“her father c<eeps the grog-shop at the corner of”—Cheatem- «l’s nose 1s beginning to”—‘‘who'd have theagh <o?”’—“what ’orrid, vulgar people”—‘‘such a “‘railly | must have another private drink” — “see here,” [’ve burst my shoe”—‘‘it’s weel ye didna rust, yerse! “Just such a man as I like”’— why, Matilda Jane”—“hush, here’s that odious Mra, Me- rawl—“‘oh! la, it’s unpossible!”’—"“when is sup- ver to be ready?” —‘well, really such a scene is ‘anny '’—“‘how very vulgarly that lady dances” — ‘no better than she ought to be he failed y erday”——“ oh! only a hundred thousand” “Pooh!” At length supperwas announced. The rush was tre- nendous. Seventeen silk dresses were irreparably nined, and four ladies, one of them the fat wite of ox-Alderman Squizzle, were very nearly suffocated n the age leading to the supper-room. The cene of delightful confusion at this period utterly saffles description. Nothing has been seen in the ity equal to it since the time of the Boz ball. Oys- ors, “tin every known variety ofstvle,” chicker sa- ad, cold fowl, boned turkey, ice cream. cham- nt costume, and was Jacnson’s Dress.— es vagne, brandy and water, disappeared as rapidly as | in this (oye flee! wished to have a billchanged. Mr. B. | noticing that the five loaves and two small m voracious multitude on the ot h ed Galillee. At last, however, the table was strewod with the the magni! feast—ihe Ja- EA struggled peck to the salpon rane entlemen ing many a lu ook on ie bottles, followed. ‘The fiddlers, like giants ene ed, Went at it again with ferocious vexemence—co- tilion parties were again formed, and dancing was | resumed with ten-fold vigor. _ The festivities were Sot up till about 3 o’clock in the morning. In half an hour afterwards the company had all departed. Mrs. Cheatemall, quite overpowered, was fast asleep in the rocking chair —Master Alfred was.in astate of happy oblivion on the floor of his room—Miss LauraMatilda dreami: of the handsome Mr. Van Wipe—the niggers lat at work on the remnants of the supper—and the young moon shone quietly down on Humbug Square, once more in undisturbed repose. And thus terminated the first of the New York fashionable ‘‘sworreys” for the season of 1843-’44. New Year’s Visits —The Mayor will receive the visits of his fellow-citizens, To-morrow, New Year’s day, between the hours of 10 A. M. and 1 P.M. All democrats and loafers are requested to go and call. Anthony Barclay, Esq., British Consul, will re- ceive calls at his residence No. 1 College Place. (cq We are indebted to Captain Fitch of the steamboat Eureka, which arrived late last night, for Albany papers of yesterday morning. Tue Pomeroy Rorpery.—It is known that a- mopar the property in the Epxress trunk of Pome- roy & Co. at the time of the robbery, were quantities of bifls of the Union Bank of New York, registered by the compara tee in blank. The Utica Gazette of Thursday, has the following paragraph :—We learn that on Friday evening last week, a stranger came to Mr. Barnard’s store t it was a registered bill of the Union Bank, New York, made some enquiries of the person, who said first, that he got it out of the Utica Bank and after- wards that it was from the Savings Bank. These enquiries evidently made the stranger ill at ease and he immediately took back the bill and went out. We hear that some other money similar to that stolen was passed in town, and one of the bills has been sent to New York, inorder to ascertain, Although very diligent search has been made, no traces of the man who passed the money has been dis- covered. ‘The whole affair is still a mystery. ‘The few facts eli- cited scarcely afford reasonable grounds for suspecting any body, and the examination leaves the matter, as we ean understand, just where it was before. { _Revenve Currer.—Annexed are the stations as- signed to the different Revenue Cutters for the.r winter crnises:-The Alert, to cruise between Moun. Desert and Eastport. The Morris, between Portland and Cape Ann The Hamilton, between Boston and Chatham Light. The Jackson, between Holmes’ Hole and Point Judith. The Madison, between Point Judith and Gardi- ner’s ‘The Ewing, between Montauk and Egg Har. is bor. Forwand, between Egg Harbor and Chinco- teague. ‘The Taney, between Chincoteague and Cape “ Hatteras. The Wolcott, between Capes of Virginia and Bultimore. The Crawford, between Savannah and Cape Florida. The Nautilus, between Cape Florida and Tor- tugas. The Woodbury, between Ship Island and River Sabine. ~ Amusements Broapway, Crrcus—New Year’s Day.—The preparations for to-morrow exceed any that have r yet been exhibited, and promise a feast to the young and old of most peculiar attraction. To recount them would J be superfluous, as the bill is eloquent, much more eloquent than ourselves in description. North will appear in his usual unexampled grace and splendor. Franklin—Tur- ner, the Napoleon of daring, bora! | tosain pay or land, the man—the only man of whalebone in the world, Cole—and an equestrian troupe of ladies and gentlemen, who in point of costume, equipments and precision of | movement, shed a lustre over all their manoeuvres, and cannot be’ surpassed. Remember the two periormances to-morrow. Let the young remind their parents of the we fuct, and the parents, join their offspring in the amuse- ment. Cuatnam Tueatre.—Every possible preparation has been made at this house for the celebration of New Year’s. The exterior and interior of the premises hay decorated in the most profuse manner with flags*banners, and all other emblems of festivity and good cheer. A day performance will commence at 12 0’c! consisting of the drama of the Rebel Chief. Miss Rey- a nolds has been engaged for the occasion, and plays Kate Karney inPerfection. And the celebrated Virginia Ser- 4 renaders perform their rich and varied melodies. In the , evening the grand spectacle of the Jewess will be per- Py 1 ; Messrs. Bronson and Nash, in the Society Library Room, Broadway, on Wednesday evening, January 3d, at 74 o’clock. “Admission—for one, 26 cents ; fer five, $1. New ° clas will be formed to meet, on that day, in Concert Hall, 406 Broadway. One from 9 to 10 A. M., and the other from’ 4 to 6 P. M., every day : for 18 Lessons and Lectures, and the Text Book, the price is $5. NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS oF Burgess, Stringer § Co. to their friends and Patrons. In famed Broadway, two hundred twenty-two, ‘Where St. Paul’s and the Astor House you view, Where the Park Fountain sends its showers on high, And Barnum’s lanthorn lights the murky sky, Our famed Depot graces the Museum w And there we wait your New Year’s morning calls. Remember ‘tis ‘the last day of the fair,” ‘And your fair friends expect some presents rare, ‘We've splendid Annuals, home and foreign make, And this last day the lowest price we'll take. Come one—come all—no longer make delay ; Let bright eyes xparkle on this New Year's day, And welcome gifts, with wishes kind, combine "To make each link of friendship brightly shine, Happy New Year ! Let every gallant man Make every lady happy as be can. formed, and with the Serenaders, the Commedetta of the Married Rake, in which Miss Reynolds appears. Barnum Auways, Augeap.—Barnum’s Museum opens remarkably rich to-morrow. The Juvenile Comic Ballet performed by twenty-five children, under six years old, is the funniest thing on the stage. The new Pantomime is also exceedingly rich and full of amusing tricks, &e. The ever famous Gen. Tom Thumb remains one day more and can be seen at ell hours. He has pre- pared an unique poetical New Year’s Address for his pa- trous. Ateach hour in the day a splendid performance comes off, so that visiters can be gratified at all hours.— Never before has Barnum made such magnificent arrange- ments as for this happy New Year. (i THE MANAGER OF PEALE’S MUSE seems determined to distance competition in the amuse. ment line, judging from the most extraordinary and powerful ‘aitractions advertised for New Years Day, among which are twelve splendid performances, one every hour; Signor Vivaldi and his mechanical figures, Miss Adair, Miss Blanchard, Monsieur Adrien the wizard, the White Negroes, Ke. &c. ‘The price of ion re- mains at only 123 cent: 0G A CONCERT OF ORATORY AND MUSIC— Consisting of 1 Songs and Recitations—will be given by MAGNIFICENT GOODS, we yesterday spent a whi db: Peul’s,” in tumbling over the ~~ creeastiy rh oo splendid election of fashionable ~~ weataocavals, dress loves, &e., ke., just opening by ‘Golera Parsclis & Agate, 257 Broadway” "We certainly? think that we have never seen any ‘lang in this line so entirely beautiful and recherche. Messrs. P. & A. have lately hecome all the amongst the fashionables, and Pa we confess, that they richly deserve this enviable distinc- 4 tion.—(N ¥. Auroré ) } ‘The above expresses our sentiments tothe letter. Mr. Parsells ie an old hund at fitting our citizens to every arti- cle in the furnishing line. (G+ THE GENUINE ARTICLE—While our cotem=—» poraries in the trade are quarreling about the prices of © few ephemeral works, the Foreign Annuals, we (as the editors say) are selling the “ Real Simon Pure,” copies of the BOOK OF BEAUTY, KEEPSAKE, and PICTURESQUE ANNUAL. Large paper copies—euperbly bound in the purest white calf—most of which being so large that but few of our elegant cases will fit them ; aud not a copy to be had elue- | oa where in this city of the two first named works of a simi- lar kind. Besides these, we have OTHER SPLENDID BOOKS, suitable and expressly imported for our customers; 20 other copies of which are to be had except at 203 Broad- way, up stairs. ‘e also state that our salos thus far have trebled those. of any year since 1836; and our stock is the most diversi fied in Ma it} Oo Yorson sells cheaper this year than . A. COLMAN, 208 Broadway, up stairs. Please call an for yourselves. 0g HAIR DYE.—The East India Hair Dye will color the hair any shade, from alight brown to a jet black, and will net stain the skin, To be had at 21 Courtlandt street. {ig- “A TROUBLESOMF HEADACHE” IS VERY trying, and may be relieved in a few minutes by Sher- man’s Camphor Lozenges. Mr. Krauth, one of the editors of the Sunday Mercury, was relieved a few days since from a violent attack of sick headache by their use, in less than fifteen minutes. And we have seen many cases when the person was confined to his bed, relieved by the use of this invaluable remedy. Be sure and get the genu- ine They are sold only in boxe nd never , at Dr. Sherman's warehouse, 106 Nassau street, or at his ts, 110 Broadway, 10 Astor House, 227 Hudsen 189 Bowery, 77 East Broadway, 86 William street, and 3 Ledger Build ; Philadelphia. PROFESSOR VELPEAU’S SPECIFIC PILLS .. rots cure of gonorrhoea, gleet, fluor albus, and all div eases of the urethra. These pills are warranted to cure Price $1 per box. Office of the College of Medicine and Pharmacy, 97 Nassau street. RICHARDSON, Agent. NERVE AND BONE LINIMENT AND IN- DIAN VEGETABLE ELIXIR—Is warranted to cre any case of rheumatism or gout, no matter how bad. be had at 21 Courtlandt etreet. 0g@- CONSTITUTIONAL DEBILITY CURED.— Tonic Mixture vk pe y the College of Medicine’ *harmacy of the city of New York is confidently rec nended for all cases of debility produced by sscret i sence or excess of any kind, It is an invaluable or im nce, har 1 0 barrenness (unleas m mal-formation)—Single bottles $1 each; cases lozen, $5, packed and sent to all parts of the Union, Office of the College of Medicine and Nassan at, W_ 5S. RICHARDSON, a COMSTOCK & © XTRACT OF *ARILLA.—The best and cheapest artiele in The size sold by others for $1 is sold by them for per bottle and $4 per dozen. ‘To be had onl; vifth street, Philadelphia; 21 Courtlandt strode” HAY’S = LINIMEN’ SHINA are warranted to noney refunded. To be North Fifth street, Phils